Search

Given its non-invasive nature, there is increasing interest in the use of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) across basic, translational and clinical research. Contemporaneously, tVNS can be achieved by stimulating either the auricular branch or the cervical bundle of the vagus nerve, referred to as transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation(VNS) and transcutaneous cervical VNS, respectively. In order to advance the field in a systematic manner, studies using these technologies need to adequately report sufficient methodological detail to enable comparison of results between studies, replication of studies, as well as enhancing study participant safety. We systematically reviewed the existing tVNS literature to evaluate current reporting practices. Based on this review, and consensus among participating authors, we propose a set of minimal reporting items to guide future tVNS studies. The suggested items address specific technical aspects of the device and stimulation parameters. We also cover general recommendations including inclusion and exclusion criteria for participants, outcome parameters and the detailed reporting of side effects. Furthermore, we review strategies used to identify the optimal stimulation parameters for a given research setting and summarize ongoing developments in animal research with potential implications for the application of tVNS in humans. Finally, we discuss the potential of tVNS in future research as well as the associated challenges across several disciplines in research and clinical practice.

Background: Melatonin (MLT) and its receptor deficiency have been shown to be associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive alternative intervention for patients suffering from hyperglycemia. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of taVNS on blood glucose modulation via intestinal melatonin receptors (MRs) and MLT secretion in hyperglycemia. Methods: Adult male Zucker diabetes fatty (ZDF) rats and Zucker lean (ZL) littermates were used. Forty ZDF rats were randomized into ZDF, taVNS, Px + taVNS and Lu + Px + taVNS groups (Px: pinealectomy, Lu: Luzindole). ZL rats served as a control group for comparison with ZDF rats without involvement in the taVNS intervention. Thirty min-taVNS interventions (2/15 Hz, 2 mA, 30 min/days) were administered once daily under anesthesia for 3 consecutive weeks in taVNS, Px + taVNS and Lu + Px + taVNS groups. Body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured weekly in all rats, and real-time blood glucose was tested in the ZL and ZDF groups before, during and after the taVNS intervention. Plasma MLT concentration and the expression of MRs in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were measured by the end of experiments. Results: Compared with the ZL group, the level of FBG and body weight increased (all p < 0.01), plasma MLT secretion and the expression of MRs in duodenum, jejunum and ileum of ZDF rats decreased obviously (all p < 0.05), respectively. TaVNS can significantly reverse the hyperglycemia by regulating the non-pineal-derived MLT and MRs system in Px + taVNS group. Compared with the ZDF group, the expression of different intestinal MRs in the taVNS group was increased and more compactly arranged (both p < 0.05), the level of plasma MLT secretion was up-regulated (p < 0.01), and FBG and body weight were decreased (both p < 0.01). Meanwhile, after taVNS intervention in rats in the Px + taVNS group, we observed an increase in MLT secretion and the number of intestinal MRs compared with the taVNS group (all p > 0.05). In contrast, ZDF rats in which the pineal gland was excised by taVNS intervention and injected with the MRs antagonist Luzindole did not show these changes. Conclusion: The glucose reduction effect of taVNS may be related to regulating MLT levels and expressing intestinal MRs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression is a common psychiatric disorder in diabetic patients. Depressive mood associated with obesity/metabolic disorders is related to the inflammatory response caused by long‐term consumption of high‐fat diets, but its molecular mechanism is unclear. In this study, we investigated whether the antidepressant effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in high‐fat diet rats works through the P2X7R/NLRP3/IL‐1β pathway. Methods: We first used 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis and LC–MS metabolomics assays in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats with long‐term high‐fat diet (Purina #5008) induced significant depression‐like behaviors. Next, the forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT) were measured to evaluate the antidepressive effect of taVNS. Immunofluorescence and western blotting (WB) were used to measure the microglia state and the expression of P2X7R, NLRP3, and IL‐1β in PFC. Results: Purina#5008 diet induced significant depression‐like behaviors in ZDF rats and was closely related to purine and inflammatory metabolites. Consecutive taVNS increased plasma insulin concentration, reduced glycated hemoglobin and glucagon content in ZDF rats, significantly improved the depressive‐like phenotype in ZDF rats through reducing the microglia activity, and increased the expression of P2X7R, NLRP3, and IL‐1β in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Conclusion: The P2X7R/NLRP3/IL‐1β signaling pathway may play an important role in the antidepressant‐like behavior of taVNS, which provides a promising mechanism for taVNS clinical treatment of diabetes combined with depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there have been advances in the fundamental research of acupuncture, yet the growing disconnect between this research and clinical practice has become increasingly evident. This paper revolves around the establishment of the discipline of Acupuncture Systems Engineering and explores the paradigm shift in acupuncture research from being science-driven to becoming technology-driven, with the aim of reshaping the innovative development path of acupuncture. Acupuncture Systems Engineering aims to investigate acupuncture techniques and their applications, while also seeking to establish research models and method that align with these pursuits, thereby providing new technological means and pathways for the study of acupuncture effects and achieving clinical translation. Under the guidance of Acupuncture Systems Engineering, acupuncture is no longer merely a traditional medical approach but has evolved into a multidisciplinary field of innovative traditional Chinese medicine, incorporating engineering, biology, information technology, artificial intelligence, and more. Through technology-driven research and application, Acupuncture Systems Engineering brings a revitalized and promising future to the field of acupuncture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]